No bots for The Times

Below is the ChatGpt article written in the voice of Times columnist Vicki Sternfeld-Rossi. The writer asked the bot to create an article for The Times. It found Rossi's article from November 10, 2022 and used the title and the first two lines to begin its version.

The original article is posted along side the "bot" version in this weeks online edition at http://www.waitsburgtimes.com.

"The joys and sorrows of my new singledom"

By Vicki Sternfeld-Rossi

Daniel is still working in Portugal, and although I miss him, there is a calm in the house that Mugsy and I appreciate. The kitchen is available whenever I want, and I can have dinner guests whenever I please.* I have also rediscovered some hobbies that I had neglected, such as reading, knitting, and gardening.

But being single also has its drawbacks. I miss having someone to cuddle with at night, to share my thoughts and feelings with, and to help me with the chores. I also miss having someone to cook for. Cooking for one is not as fun or satisfying as cooking for two or more.

That's why I decided to start a new project: a cookbook for singles. I want to create recipes that are easy, healthy, and delicious, but also suitable for one person. Recipes that don't require too many ingredients, too much time, or too much cleanup. Recipes that can be scaled up or down depending on your appetite or mood. Recipes that can be enjoyed alone or with friends.

I have been experimenting with different dishes and techniques, and I have been pleasantly surprised by the results. Some of my favorites so far are:

Spiced Chickpea & Vegetable Stew: A hearty and comforting stew that can be made in one pot with pantry staples and seasonal vegetables. It's vegan, gluten-free, and full of flavor and nutrients.

- Salmon & Asparagus Sheet Pan Dinner: A simple and elegant meal that can be prepared in less than 30 minutes with minimal cleanup. Just toss some salmon fillets and asparagus spears with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and garlic on a baking sheet and roast until done.

- Chocolate Mug Cake: A decadent treat that can be whipped up in minutes with a few basic ingredients and a microwave. It's moist, rich, and satisfying, and you can customize it with your favorite toppings.

I plan to share these recipes and more in my upcoming cookbook, which I hope will inspire other singles to enjoy cooking and eating at home. I also hope that it will help me cope with the loneliness and boredom that sometimes creep up on me.

Now here is the article of the same title written by Vicki Sternfeld-Rossi published in 2022:

"The Joys and Sorrows of my New Singledom"

by Vicki Sternfeld-Rossi

Daniel is still working in Portugal, and although I miss him, there is a calm in the house that Mugsy and I appreciate. The kitchen is available whenever I want, and I can have dinner guests when I’m in the mood. That mood is usually indicative of my boredom and frustration trying to have an intelligent conversation with Mugsy.

While living alone for the ten years before Daniel and I got back together, I was proud of my ability to manage most situations independently, assuming power tools were not involved. Admittedly, there were occasions when a friend or three helped with some heavy lifting and repairs that were above my skill level. And I also had a Rolodex (remember those?) full of repair people.

However, recently with my hand in a cast, I’m not as agile as I would like. I am grateful for my friends and neighbors who have come to my rescue when needed (moving composters, building shelving units, operating the grill, and changing propane tanks).

I’ve been trying to keep up with the unskilled jobs around the house. Today, yesterday, and the day before, I raked leaves and probably will rake again tomorrow. I sent a picture to Daniel of our backyard, which, even after three days of raking, looks like we laid yellow carpet across the entire lawn. His comment was, “Nice, pretty.” My retort, “Not if you have to rake it!”

Adding insult to injury, he sent me a text reciting the scrumptious meal he ate with a photo of what he called “an extraordinary bottle of wine.” Exchanges like that make me miss him a little less until I need to move the heavy trash can with all the leaves I’ve raked, then I miss him again.

With him gone, it’s my job to clear the dead and dying plants and clean the garden. Some of our tomato plants have roots that must be 6 feet and stems like tree trunks. I am so over zucchini because even the bug-infested plant produced fruit, and the others were very prolific. I’ve had zucchini grilled, baked, roasted, and made into pancakes (with smoked salmon and Crème Fraiche on top, not bad), ratatouille, and of course, zucchini bread is stashed in the freezer. Yanking out zucchini plants was a joy, both physically and mentally.

I still have bell pepper plants thriving and producing, as well as a tiny cucumber hanging on by a thin stem. I’ve started preparing to plant the Tulip bulbs. My rule is that I can’t plant until I thoroughly weed an area, so I was out this morning in the rain weeding and planting. Those tulips better bloom!

I bought two 150-piece bags of candy for Halloween. I’ve already dug through the bags and eaten the Swedish Fish, Gummy Bears, Twizzlers, and M&M Peanuts. After Daniel shared his latest gourmet dining experience, I confessed to my candy raid. He asked me to save some candy for him; I’m saving the Reese’s Pieces because he hates them. Yes, it’s a cliché, but my mantra at the moment is “don’t get mad; get even.”

Daniel just called, describing his current dinner of goose, chestnut dressing, and a warm homemade potato roll, followed by a dark chocolate souffle and whipped cream. I told him about my planned menu for lunch, and probably dinner, of microwaved boxed tomato soup with some crackers and cheese. I hope he feels guilty. Is revenge best served microwaved?